A minimum of 36 hours of courses in communication studies is required for the major, with a minimum of 21 hours in the major at the 300–400 level and a minimum of 33 total hours at the 300–400 level. No more than 45 hours in communication studies may be included in the hours required for graduation.

The program of instruction, to be planned in consultation with a faculty advisor, is as follows:

NOTE: Although not required, the department strongly recommends that communication studies majors take bothCOM 100 and COM 101.

E. Elective courses (minimum 24 hours)
Through the selection of elective courses, communication studies majors may emphasize one of the following areas of study: rhetoric and prelaw; political communication; communication and culture; or organizational and interpersonal communication. Students should be aware that the courses listed under each emphasis area below are recommendations, not requirements. Each student should plan his or her individual course of study with the guidance of a departmental advisor.

Rhetoric and Prelaw

This emphasis area focuses on argumentation, the effective construction and critical analysis of persuasive messages, and the role of rhetoric in constructing, sustaining, and changing the social order. It is an ideal preprofessional emphasis for students interested in careers in the legal profession; prelaw students should prepare broadly for a legal career, and this emphasis area is one means of accomplishing this preparation. Recommended minors for students who choose this emphasis area include American studies, African-American studies, criminal justice, English, history, philosophy, journalism, political science, telecommunication and film, and women's studies.

Political Communication

This area focuses on the communication theories and practices evident in political discourse, artifacts, and campaigns. Attention is given to such areas of analysis and practice as public speaking, argumentation and debate, speech writing, and the role of media in politics and political campaigns. This is an appropriate emphasis for students interested in careers in any aspect of politics and public service. Recommended minors for students who choose this emphasis area include advertising and public relations, American studies, African-American studies, journalism, economics, history, political science, sociology, telecommunication and film, and women's studies.

Communication and Culture

This emphasis area explores public communication in a wide variety of contexts and settings. The focus is on the influence of rhetoric and visual communication on individuals, communities, and the larger social world. Students interested in careers involving community or social change or human services (e.g., the ministry), or in postgraduate study in communication studies or media studies should consider this emphasis. Recommended minors for students who choose this emphasis area include anthropology, advertising and public relations, American studies, African-American studies, apparel and textiles, art history, English/creative writing, international studies, journalism, modern languages, religious studies, telecommunication and film, theatre, and women's studies.

Organizational and Interpersonal Communication

The focus of this area is on knowledge and skills vital to successful communication in organizational, group, family, and other interpersonal settings. Emphases include cultural, social, and cognitive influences on personal and professional interaction and such skills as conflict resolution, small group problem-solving, interviewing, and intercultural communication. It is appropriate for students interested in professional and administrative careers in business, educational, human services, or media organizations. Recommended minors for students who choose this emphasis area include advertising and public relations, general business, consumer sciences, economics, human development and family studies, international studies, journalism, management, psychology, real estate, sociology, social work, world business, and telecommunication and film.

The minor in communication studies requires 21 hours of coursework in the department, including COM 100 or COM 101 and at least 6 hours at the 300 or 400 level. A grade of "C-" or higher is required in all communication studies courses counted toward the minor.